Tectoniques Architects recently completed their latest project - an elementary and nursery school topped with an undulating green roof. Located in Rillieux-la-Pape, France outside of Lyon, the Paul Chevallier School provides an invigorating space for children to grown and learn with a direct connection to nature. The school was constructed almost completely from wood and engineered wood products and it features overhangs and large windows that pull natural light into all the classrooms.

The Paul Chevallier School complex in Rillieuz-la-Pape is located on an entire block near the city center. The elementary school is built in a v-shape with a protected courtyard in the middle, while the nursery school has a protected garden in the center. In 2014, a gym will be constructed adjacent to the schools and will double as a community building. The buildings are almost completely built from wood and prefabricated KLH® wood panels, including the lift shaft.

Built into the sloping site, the building’s are imbedded into the landscape and then covered with green roofs filled with wildflowers. Nature was one of the main themes for the architecture and it permeates throughout the complex and is visible from every window allowing children to feel surrounded by it. Overhangs protect the interior from direct glare and overheating, while large windows fill the rooms with natural daylighting.